The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has sparked a major debate among cricket fans and experts alike. While the middle-order batter and Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain has consistently delivered in the IPL, he continues to find himself on the fringes of India’s T20I plans. Adding fuel to the fire, former England spinner Monty Panesar offered a unique perspective, linking Iyer’s leadership abilities to his absence from the squad.
Monty Panesar: Iyer’s Captaincy Might Be a Factor in His Exclusion
Speaking to India Today, Panesar suggested that Shreyas Iyer’s strong leadership skills, proven by leading two different IPL teams to finals in 2024 and 2025, might ironically be working against him.
“One of the reasons Shreyas Iyer is probably struggling to get into the Indian squad is because he brings those leadership skills, and, at the moment, possibly they’ve got that covered,” Panesar said. “It gives them an opportunity to bring in someone younger, a bit more exciting to play, who would be easier to manage for coach Gautam Gambhir. So I think him being the captain in the IPL makes it a bit difficult for him to get into that team.”
Panesar’s comment hints at the possibility that the Indian team management may currently prefer players who fit into specific roles rather than experienced leaders who might bring a strong presence—something already well-established within the current setup.
Despite IPL Success, Iyer Missed T20 World Cup and Asia Cup Selection
Shreyas Iyer’s recent IPL performances have been more than commendable. In 2024, he captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL final. The following season, in 2025, he led Punjab Kings to their first final in years—an achievement few captains have matched in back-to-back years with different teams.
Still, these feats weren’t enough to earn him a spot in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad or the Asia Cup 2025 team. The decision has puzzled many, especially considering his experience and ability to handle pressure situations—qualities vital in high-stakes tournaments.
Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, has clarified that this isn’t a closed door for Iyer. “This is not the final team for the T20 World Cup 2026,” Agarkar said, offering a glimmer of hope to Iyer and his supporters.
What’s Next for Shreyas Iyer?
As Panesar rightly pointed out, the only thing left for Iyer to do now is score more runs and keep pushing his case. With multiple younger players being tested in the Indian setup, consistency with the bat could be Iyer’s ticket back into the national side.
For now, the focus shifts to how he performs in domestic cricket and upcoming IPL seasons. If he continues to pile on runs and lead effectively, selectors might find it hard to ignore him for much longer—leadership skills or not.
